Chinese Leaders Appear
To Soften Toward Taiwan

Army Chief Seems Flexible
In Negotiations With U.S.

BEIJING -- Chinese military leaders appeared to take a softer approach to their archrival, Taiwan, in meetings with visiting U.S. Secretary of Defense William Cohen, U.S. officials said.

Although Chinese generals Wednesday reiterated their threat to use force against Taiwan if the island declares independence, U.S. officials found China's minister of defense, Gen. Chi Haotian, more flexible on the issue and willing to discuss it in greater detail than in the past. However, the substance of China's statements didn't suggest...